B2B Commerce Explained

Sabina Fjeld
Sabina Fjeld
June 11, 2025
4
min read

B2B commerce - also known as business-to-business commerce or bcommerce - is revolutionizing how companies buy and sell. With online B2B sales now outpacing B2C in both value and volume, businesses must evolve beyond outdated processes and clunky invoicing systems. To win in this space, it’s not enough to have a digital storefront. You need payment infrastructure tailored to the complexities of B2B payments, risk management, and buyer expectations.

What Makes B2B Commerce Different?

B2B commerce refers to the online exchange of goods or services between businesses or legal entities. Unlike B2C (business-to-consumer), B2B sales often involve:

  • Larger transaction volumes
  • Longer payment terms
  • Multi-layered approvals
  • Recurring invoices and trade relationships

These factors demand flexible payment options, real-time credit decisions, and frictionless checkout experiences that adapt to each buyer’s needs. Yet many companies still rely on manual invoicing, slow credit assessments, and outdated ERP systems—especially across the US and Europe.

The Rise of Digital B2B Commerce

While e-commerce started reshaping consumer habits in the 1970s, B2B digital transformation has only recently taken off. That shift is now accelerating.

Why the boom? Modern enterprises prioritize cash flow, working capital optimization, and speed-to-sale. B2B commerce platforms provide the tools to enable just that.

Real-World B2B Commerce Use Cases

B2B commerce is not one-size-fits-all. Here’s how it plays out across industries:

  • Wholesale & Distribution – Bulk orders, negotiated pricing, and custom catalogs.
  • Manufacturing – Digital platforms for managing purchase orders and inventory at scale.
  • B2B Marketplaces – Platforms like Alibaba or Amazon Business simplify procurement and price comparison.
  • SaaS & Tech Sales – Subscription billing, recurring invoices, and contract lifecycle management.
  • B2B2C Models – Businesses selling to both retailers and end-customers with hybrid storefronts.

Why B2B Commerce Drives Growth

B2B transactions power global trade, employment, and innovation. The European Commission estimates that optimizing B2B payments alone could unlock over 6 million jobs in the EU.

Key benefits of digitized B2B commerce:

  • Faster Payments & BNPL for B2B – Get paid upfront while offering flexible net terms to buyers.
  • Lower Credit Risk – Real-time buyer risk analysis prevents fraud and late payments.
  • Operational Efficiency – Automated invoicing and collections free up internal teams.
  • Global Reach – Access international customers with localized checkout flows and currencies.
  • Data-Driven Decisions – Use analytics to optimize conversion rates and purchasing behavior.

Common Challenges in Traditional B2B Sales

Despite growth, many businesses are held back by:

  • Manual invoicing and reconciliation that delay payment cycles
  • Lack of embedded payment options like BNPL for B2B
  • Limited tools for automated trade credit decisions
  • Sellers carrying the burden of financing buyers, straining working capital
  • Outdated compliance and fraud detection processes

How Two Is Redefining B2B Commerce

At Two, we’ve built a platform that removes the friction from B2B payments, credit approvals, and compliance. Here's what you get with Two:

Embedded B2B BNPL at Checkout

Buyers choose their preferred payment terms—14, 30, or 60 days—while you get paid upfront.

Automated Trade Credit and Invoice Finance

No more waiting for credit approvals. Our AI-driven risk engine handles it in real-time.

Upfront Payments, Seamless Buyer Experience

Improve cash flow while giving customers the flexibility they expect.

End-to-End Risk and Compliance

We manage fraud detection, credit risk, collections, and regulatory checks—so you don’t have to.

FAQ: B2B Commerce & B2B Payments

What’s the difference between B2B and B2C commerce?
B2B commerce involves selling between businesses, with larger orders, longer terms, and complex approval flows—unlike fast, one-click B2C checkouts.

Is B2B commerce more efficient when digitized?
Yes. Automation cuts down manual work, speeds up cash flow, and reduces financial risk.

Do I need a specialist B2B platform?
Absolutely. General e-commerce tools can’t support the payment terms, buyer risk profiling, or invoice financing required for serious B2B sales.

How can I reduce cart abandonment in B2B?
Offer instant trade credit, flexible payment terms, and a frictionless B2B checkout experience to increase conversion.

Are B2B payments secure?
Yes—modern platforms like Two use encryption, fraud detection, and full regulatory compliance to secure every transaction.

Don’t let outdated processes hold you back. Unlock the full potential of your B2B sales with Two- where automation, security, and growth come standard.

👉 Book a 30-minute demo and start selling smarter today.

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